Accredited Online Nursing Degrees in 2027
Published: January 2027 | Updated regularly
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most stable careers in the United States. In this guide, we compare the top accredited online nursing programs for 2027 — including RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees.
Types of Online Nursing Degrees
- RN to BSN: For registered nurses with an associate degree who want a bachelor's in 12–24 months.
- BSN to MSN: For bachelor's-prepared nurses who want to become nurse practitioners, educators, or administrators.
- Direct Entry MSN: For non-nurses with a bachelor's in another field who want to become nurses.
- DNP: The highest clinical nursing degree, ideal for leadership roles.
- Post-Master's Certificates: For MSN-prepared nurses who want a new specialization.
Top 10 Accredited Online Nursing Programs for 2027
1. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
- Programs: MSN, DNP, Post-Master's Certificates
- Tuition: $1,600–$1,900 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Ranked #1 nursing school in the US by US News.
2. Duke University School of Nursing
- Programs: MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition: $1,900+ per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Top-ranked DNP and Nurse Anesthesia programs.
3. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- Programs: MSN, DNP, Post-Master's Certificates
- Tuition: $1,700+ per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Ivy League reputation and top clinical training.
4. Rush University College of Nursing
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $700–$1,200 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Strong clinical partnerships in Chicago.
5. Ohio State University College of Nursing
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $600–$900 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Affordable and highly ranked.
6. University of Michigan School of Nursing
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $1,200–$1,500 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Top public university with strong research.
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $500–$850 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Affordable tuition and excellent online support.
8. University of South Alabama College of Nursing
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $400–$700 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: One of the most affordable accredited programs.
9. Chamberlain University College of Nursing
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $600–$800 per credit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Flexible, year-round enrollment.
10. Western Governors University (WGU) College of Health Professions
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN
- Tuition: $8,000–$10,000 per year
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Why it's great: Flat-rate tuition and accelerate at your own pace.
Comparison Table: Top Online Nursing Programs 2027
| University |
Programs |
Tuition (per credit) |
Accreditation |
| Johns Hopkins | MSN, DNP | $1,600–$1,900 | CCNE |
| Duke | MSN, DNP | $1,900+ | CCNE |
| UPenn | MSN, DNP | $1,700+ | CCNE |
| Rush | RN to BSN, MSN | $700–$1,200 | CCNE |
| Ohio State | RN to BSN, MSN | $600–$900 | CCNE |
| Michigan | MSN, DNP | $1,200–$1,500 | CCNE |
| UAB | RN to BSN, MSN | $500–$850 | CCNE |
| South Alabama | RN to BSN, MSN | $400–$700 | CCNE |
| Chamberlain | RN to BSN, MSN | $600–$800 | CCNE |
| WGU | RN to BSN, MSN | $8,000–$10,000/year | CCNE |
How to Choose the Right Online Nursing Program
- Check Accreditation: Only choose CCNE or ACEN-accredited programs.
- Clinical Placement Support: Ask how the school helps place you near your home.
- Cost vs Salary: An MSN-prepared Nurse Practitioner earns $120,000+.
- Format: Asynchronous if you work full-time; synchronous for more interaction.
- State Authorization: Ensure the program is authorized in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work full-time while earning an online nursing degree?
A: Yes. Most programs are designed for working nurses.
Q: Are online nursing degrees respected by employers?
A: Yes — if the program is CCNE or ACEN accredited.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online nursing degree?
A: RN to BSN: 12–24 months. MSN: 18–36 months. DNP: 3–5 years.
Q: What is the cheapest accredited online nursing program?
A: University of South Alabama ($400–$700 per credit).
Q: Do I need to visit campus for clinicals?
A: Most programs allow clinicals at a local hospital near your home.
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